Chapter 384 The Stone

• What Ye Qilong brought was a true thousand-year-old ginseng, worth close to a billion, and more importantly, you couldn’t even buy one if you had the money! Ten century-old ginseng roots would also cost several hundred million! And all that just to ask him to take someone down? The Lone Sword Saint gave a faint smile. He didn’t ask who the target was, what his status was, or how strong he might be. “Master Ye, that’s very thoughtful of you.” Ye Qilong’s heart leaped. He instantly understood—the Lone Sword Saint had agreed! ...... After the factory mess was handled, production resumed. Back at the company, Maxwell York and Daphne Lewis received an invitation from Zhou Ningning. Tomorrow night would be the birthday banquet for Old Mr. Zhou, Zhou Hong. Maxwell was Zhou Hong’s lifesaver, and Zhou Hong had specifically told Zhou Ningning to make sure Maxwell got an invite. Daphne didn’t refuse. The Zhou family had helped her a lot lately. She also wanted to use this birthday banquet to offer some return gifts. Soon, the next evening arrived. The Zhou family had booked out a luxurious five-star hotel. The hotel’s parking lot was crammed with high-end cars. One Northbury socialite after another stepped out, and there were even luxury cars with plates from the provincial capital. Some big names from the provincial capital had come just for this! After all, the Zhou family were the true heads of the Hongguang Group. Even the provincial capital’s elites gave them face, and many wanted to build ties with them. Just then, an inconspicuous Audi rolled into the lot. Inside were Daphne Lewis and Maxwell York. Daphne had put on a formal dress for the occasion, while Maxwell still wore casual clothes. “Did you bring the gift?” Daphne asked before getting out. Yesterday, when they accepted Zhou Ningning’s invite, she’d told Maxwell to prepare a present for Old Mr. Zhou’s banquet. Maxwell smiled and nodded. Seeing that, Daphne didn’t think much of it. As they got out, they spotted Zhou Ningning at the entrance in a deep purple evening gown. When she saw Daphne and Maxwell, her face lit up and she waved them over. Daphne stared, surprised. Zhou Ningning usually wore sunny, cute dresses. In this dark purple gown, she was like a different person—elegant from head to toe. With her natural beauty, she instantly drew the eyes of a bunch of rich young men. Zhou Ningning ignored them and happily led Daphne and Maxwell into the hotel. “Ningning, you look stunning tonight,” Daphne couldn’t help but say. Zhou Ningning flushed, a little shy. “You’re the gorgeous one, Sis Daphne.” As she spoke, she sneaked a glance at Maxwell. But he just looked off in another direction, face calm. A dull pang of loss hit her, though she didn’t show it. In the lavish hotel lobby, a poised middle-aged man stepped out. Zhou Hong sat in the place of honor. “Thank you all for coming to my father’s birthday banquet. I’ll be your host tonight,” the middle-aged man announced. “That’s my big brother, Zhou Tianjing,” Zhou Ningning whispered to Daphne and Maxwell. After Zhou Hong gave his thanks, it was time for blessings and gifts. This part was the highlight of any birthday gala—the upper crust’s flex-off. “Wanyue Group presents a century-old ginseng to Old Mr. Zhou. May your blessings be as vast as the sea!” “The Song family from the provincial capital presents a top-grade luminous pearl. Wishing Old Mr. Zhou good fortune and smooth sailing!” ... One by one, the elites came forward with lavish gifts, drawing gasps all around. Soon, it was Maxwell and Daphne’s turn. As they stepped up, people around them wore thinly veiled smirks. Most folks in Northbury knew who Maxwell York and Daphne Lewis were. In terms of status and standing, almost everyone here outclassed them. Out of respect for the Zhou family, nobody mocked them out loud. But right now, everyone was waiting to see them make fools of themselves. “Old Mr. Zhou, wishing you good health and all the best. Maxwell, the gift,” Daphne said with poise. Necks craned all over the room. People wanted to see what they could possibly bring. Maxwell pulled out a small, black, rock-like thing from his jacket. He smiled. “Here it is.” Swoosh! Every gaze snapped to the “stone” in Maxwell’s hand—and the room froze.